ACP urged to take action against importation of LPG from sanctioned countries

The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) has urged the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and other concerned authorities to take action against illegal import of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from subject countries to global sanctions.

According to official sources, LOAB sent a letter to the CPA on October 6 alleging that an LPG vessel named GAS GMS (IMO 9131539), supplied by Octane Energy Group FZCO, arrived at the Chattogram port on October 3, 2024. This vessel is suspected of transporting LPG from Iran, a country currently subject to international sanctions.

Additionally, another vessel, Captain Nikolas (IMO 9008108), also suspected of being loaded with Iranian LPG, is currently en route to Chattogram, with an expected arrival on October 6, 2024.

“We have credible information indicating that, as in previous cases, this vessel will falsely declare its cargo as being loaded from Iraq, a country that does not load such vessels. This deliberate misrepresentation further compounds the illegal nature of these expeditions,” he added. .

The association formally requested the CPA to immediately take action to stop the discharge of LPG from the two vessels GAS GMS and Captain Nikolas, to arrest the vessels and crew of GAS GMS and Captain Nikolas and to conduct a full investigation and extensive work on both vessels, including an audit. of the actual country of origin of the LPG cargo on board.

It said it would not take responsibility for such illegal activities that violate international sanctions and undermine the integrity of the LPG market in Bangladesh.

“We are fully prepared to cooperate with all relevant authorities to ensure that these illegal shipments are intercepted and those responsible are held accountable,” the LOAB letter said.

The association also mentioned that it had already sent two separate letters, one addressed to the advisor of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs on September 11, in which it highlighted the illegal entry of LPG cargoes from suppliers such as Octane Energy Group FZCO, ManasiGroup and Merano Group.

The other letter was addressed to the Bangladesh Bank governor, dated September 11, highlighting the need for strict financial monitoring to prevent the importation of LPG from sanctioned courtiers.

Official sources said that following the letter to the CPA, it formed a four-member fact-finding committee, headed by its Deputy Port Captain (PFS), Captain Md. Mostasim Billah, while the other members will be representatives of the Merchant Marine Bureau, representing customs. and Coast Guard representative.

A source said the coastguard also stopped the vessel for investigation. But before the investigation was completed, the ships were allowed to unload the products.

Meanwhile, industry insiders said LOAB opposed the importation of LPG in such an illegal manner because it creates market distortion as importers purchase the product at a lower rate than the sanctioned country.

This cheaper and illegally imported LPG creates a big barrier in the competitive market and secondly, this gas has no smell, he adds, adding that if there is a gas leak, the customer will not does not understand it, which creates a risk of accident.